That’s how I found Balangan Beach.
Just a short drive from the chaos of the south, Balangan felt like a secret.
And even though it's no longer completely unknown, it still
holds onto a raw, untamed beauty that hits you the moment you walk down the
cliff path.
How to Get There
– Off the Beaten Path (But Not Too Far)
Balangan Beach is located on the Bukit Peninsula in southern
Bali—home to some of the island’s most dramatic coastlines.
Getting there is easy, but requires a bit of navigation:
· From
Ngurah Rai
International Airport, it's around 40–50 minutes by car or
scooter.
· From
Uluwatu
Temple or Jimbaran, it’s a short 15–20 minute ride.
· You’ll
need to follow signs toward Jalan Pantai Balangan, and the last stretch includes a
narrow road between trees and surf camps.
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta,
Badung, Bali
Entrance Fee:
Free (small parking
fee of IDR 5k–10k)
Opening
Hours: Open 24 hours (sunrise to sunset is best)
First Glimpse:
Cliffs, Coconuts, and a Crescent of Sand
You arrive at the top of a limestone cliff, and the view just stuns you into silence.
Below, a golden crescent of sand curves around the turquoise surf. Palm trees
sway behind a row of modest beach warungs (local cafés). A few surfboards lean
against a bamboo shack. And all you hear is the sound of the sea.
It feels like Bali twenty years ago.
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| img: baliuntold.com |
What to Do at
Balangan Beach
Balangan is not for everyone—and that’s its power. It's raw, a little rocky,
and deeply soulful.
1. Surf the Reef Break
This beach is a haven for
intermediate to advanced surfers. The left-hand reef break is consistent
and offers long, rideable waves. You’ll see people from around the world
paddling out in silence, waiting for that perfect set.
Board rentals and lessons are
available from locals, typically around IDR 100k/hour.
2. Sunbathe and Chill
If surfing isn’t your thing,
the sand here is clean and spacious enough to lay out a sarong, read a book, or
just let the sun do its magic. Umbrella rentals are around IDR 50k/day.
3. Cliffside Photos at Sunset
Atop the cliff on the left
side of the beach is a natural lookout—perfect for sunset photos.
Couples, drones, and even wedding shoots happen here. But you can also just sit
and let the sky catch fire in peace.
4. Eat Fresh and Local
There’s nothing fancy here,
but the warungs serve up grilled fish, fried noodles, and cold coconuts with
sincerity. One bite of spicy mie goreng with ocean breeze in your hair—pure
bliss.
Best Time to
Visit
· May to October
(Dry Season): Best for surfing, swimming, and sunsets
· Early Morning (6–8 AM):
Quiet, great lighting, cool sand
· Late Afternoon (4–6:30 PM):
Sunset magic, cliff view, fewer crowds than other Bali beaches
Avoid high tide if you're looking to sunbathe—the waves eat up most of the
sand.
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| img: swellbali.com |
Where to Stay
Nearby
If you want to stay close to the beach, the area offers:
· Budget: Surf homestays and
warung-side guesthouses starting from IDR 150k/night
· Mid-range:
Small boutique villas and bungalows with sea views
· Luxury:
Resorts like La
Joya Biu Biu or The Rich Prada just a short ride
away
I stayed in a basic surf camp—cold shower, shared balcony, and a hammock
view of the waves. Perfection.
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| img: arifsetiawan.com |
Final Thoughts
Balangan Beach isn’t loud. It doesn’t try to impress. But it grows on you.
It’s where I watched a group of local boys play guitar on the sand, where I
drank the sweetest coconut of my life, and where I realized that not
all paradise has to be polished.
If you’re looking for Bali without the filters—Balangan is waiting.